Today I came across an online tool called the GrowGuide. If you type in the dates of the first and last frost for your area, this tool will generate a customized, week-by-week guide to planning a spring or fall vegetable garden. It'll tell you when to start sowing seeds indoors, when to set plants outside to harden off, and when to transplant.I think I'm going to try this this year and see if it helps. I only wish it included information for sowing flower seeds too!
Check it out: The Weekend Gardener GrowGuide.
Thanks for this awesome blog. I have a small garden in my backyard in East Capitol Hill. Question for you, what's you're secret to raising beets? My wife is from Belarus and cooks an awesome borscht. I'd love to raise the beets to put in it but was unsuccessful last year. Thanks again, Evan
ReplyDeleteevan59@bellatlantic.net
If I find a way to do anything against the slugs, I could use it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good tool that could come in handy - but you'll never know until trying :-)
ReplyDeleteEvan, Ostwestwind, and Mrs. Lifecruiser: Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteEvan, I am definitely not an expert on growing beets, but I've been learning about them through trial and error and here is what I do. First, I use a shovel or rake to break up the top 4 - 6 inches of soil. Break up any clumps and remove any stones. They need a smooth and fluffy soil so it's easy for the roots to grow through. Also, they don't like acidic soil, so it's good to add compost. Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and them pat them down really good. I have read that beets seeds need to be "tucked in" to the soil really well, otherwise they tend not to germinate well. Also, make sure to water them regularly, especially when they're just getting started. I've ruined a lot of beets because I let them get too dry between waterings. Good luck!
Would you be willing to share your borscht recipe?
Thanks for posting that link to Grow Guide.......a great help!
ReplyDeleteChrista,
ReplyDeleteGo to my blog at www.evanblog.com and look under the recipes link. My wife's borscht recipe is there. Enjoy, Evan
p.s. Thanks for the thoughts on beets. I'll keep you posted on my progress. eec
Love the blog....really interestinga and informative.
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